Protect Ohio’s Existing Cannabis Laws

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In November 2023, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a citizen-initiated statute legalizing recreational adult-use cannabis, known at the time as Issue 2. To date, major pieces of the law remain in flux and lawmakers are advancing a bill that makes significant, regressive changes to our state’s cannabis laws.

This proposal subverts the will of the voters in multiple ways -- of biggest concern to the ACLU of Ohio are the provisions that recriminalize cannabis use and eliminate the Social Equity and Jobs Program.

The ACLU of Ohio believes there are two necessary steps in cannabis policy: legalize and repair. We’ve accomplished the first, and now we must ensure that the social justice components of Issue 2 come to fruition.

The current version of SB 56 does not address the many harms caused by the failed war on drugs. Without significant amendments to course correct, this bill must be stopped.

TAKE ACTION: Tell members of the Ohio House of Representatives to reject SB 56.

Message Recipients: Members of the Ohio House

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Dear Representative,

Please reject any version of Senate Bill 56 that does not repair the past harms of marijuana criminalization.

Message Body

Senate Bill 56 significantly dismantles the citizen-initiated statute that voters approved in 2023, and I oppose the latest version of this legislation that re-criminalizes cannabis use and eviscerates the Social Equity and Jobs Program.

Ohioans do not need intrusive government oversight into our cannabis conduct – we expect a better balance between our personal liberties and government prohibition on a substance that voters approved to be legal. These new restrictions are counter to what 57% of Ohioans approved in 2023.

I also urge you to reconsider the elimination of The Social Equity and Jobs Program - a pillar of Issue 2 intended to take steps toward remedying the harm resulting from the disproportionate enforcement of drug laws.

Millions should already be set-aside for initiatives that would: 1) provide financial and technical assistance to people certified under the Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Program, 2) fund judicial and criminal justice reform, and 3) fund direct investment in disproportionately impacted communities.

The War on Drugs disproportionately failed Black and Brown Ohioans. We must work to erase the negative impact of drug criminalization. Voters support drug policy reform, I urge you to, as well.

Unless the additional criminal penalties are removed, and the Social Equity and Jobs Program is reinstated, I urge you to reject Senate Bill 56.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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Protect Ohio’s Existing Cannabis Laws

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